(credit: OpenCourt – Basketball / DR)
Joel Embiid has been the most dominant pivot in the league for several years now, he only needs one title to confirm this incredible start to his career. And if he struggles to win in the playoffs, he still impresses the old, since a Hall of Famer has just paid him the ultimate compliment.
Joel Embiid should probably not expect to live such a summer … After the sweep suffered in the bubble against the Celtics, the Sixers proceeded to a big cleaning in the offices and on the bench, since Daryl Morey took the reins of the sportsman and Doc Rivers has been appointed coach. New blood has also been brought to the field with the arrival of 2020 champion Danny Green and Seth Curry, one of the nation’s top shooters.
So inevitably, with all these changes beneficial to the group, Philadelphia had ambition last season in an Eastern conference still open. But as they finally had to reach the conference final, Doc Rivers’ men were surprised in 7 games by the Hawks. And today, a few weeks before the recovery, the franchise is on the verge of implosion.
Indeed, the announced departure of Ben Simmons could have a strong impact on the future of the franchise, which must particularly worry the Cameroonian pivot … Fortunately, in the middle of this tumultuous offseason, the “Process” received one of the ultimate compliments from a youngster Hall of Famer. Chris Webber spoke to The Athletic.
I think Joel Embiid is the one who resembles me the most in the NBA right now because he is one of the few who can play with his back to the basket, can make the difference by dribbling, and can shoot at 3 points. And then it’s very difficult to find a modern interior that dominates halfway. I think Embiid is the closest to me in the game.
According to Chris Webber therefore, Joel Embiid would be the player who resembles him the most, which is quite flattering… for the Hall of Famer. Indeed, the legend of the Kings turns in career at 20.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, with a best season in 2001 at 27.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Figures that are fantastic, but not necessarily equivalent to what the pivot of the Sixers offers.
In career the Process is at 24.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, and in his most complete individual season of 2019, he was at 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. Their games might look alike, but statistically speaking, Joel Embiid looks better than Chris Webber. Either way, they will one day meet in the Hall of Fame.
If Joel Embiid knows the history of the NBA, he will undoubtedly accept this compliment without flinching. On the other hand, he will do everything not to end his career like Webber, namely without a ring.
